Mastering the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds* unlocks a thrilling blend of speed and devastating power. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to wield this versatile weapon effectively.
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The Long Sword’s versatility shines through its adaptable combos and counterattacks. Chain attacks together for fluid combat or use counters to turn defense into offense.
All Long Sword Moves
| Command | Move | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle/Y | Standard Attack | Spirit Blade attacks are slashing attacks consuming the Spirit Gauge. Adjust the direction of Spirit Blade I and II with the analog stick. |
| Circle/B | Thrust | Press Circle/B after a Thrust for a Rising Slash. |
| R2/RT | Spirit Blade I | A slashing Spirit Blade attack consuming the Spirit Gauge. Adjust direction with the analog stick. |
| R2/RT x 4 | Spirit Blade Combo | A combo of slashing Spirit Blade attacks consuming the Spirit Gauge. Adjust direction with the analog stick. |
| Holding R2/RT | Spirit Charge | Fills the Spirit Gauge. Unleashing it performs a Spirit Blade attack; the attack's power depends on the charge duration. A full charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash. While the Spirit Gauge is red, the Roundslash is invulnerable to knockback effects. |
| Triangle/Y + Circle/B | Fade Slash | A backward slashing attack; direction controlled with the analog stick. |
| R2/RT + Circle/B During Combo | Foresight Slash | A mid-combo attack with significant invulnerability. It consumes the entire Spirit Gauge, but landing it after dodging an attack fully refills the gauge. Chain it into a Spirit Roundslash with R2/RT. With an empty gauge, its effect is reduced; with a red gauge, follow up with a Foresight Whirl Slash. |
| R2/RT + Triangle/Y | Spirit Thrust | Lowers the Spirit Gauge one level (from White or higher), allowing chaining into a Spirit Helm Breaker. Follow up with a Spirit Release Slash when the gauge is red. Use Square/X to cancel Spirit Helm Breaker. |
| R2/RT + Cross/A | Special Sheath | A special action to sheath your weapon. |
| After Special Sheath, Triangle/Y | Iai Slash | After Special Sheathing, this automatically fills the Spirit Gauge for a short time. |
| After Special Sheath, R2/RT | Iai Spirit Slash | Time this counterattack with an enemy's attack to raise your Spirit Gauge by one level. |
| L2/LT + R1/RB | Focus Strike: Unbound Thrust | An effective thrusting attack against wounds. Hitting a wound or weak point unleashes a slash, increasing the Spirit Gauge by one level. The number of wounds destroyed determines the gauge increase. Adjust direction with the analog stick. |
Understanding the Spirit Gauge
The Spirit Gauge is the Long Sword's unique mechanic, boosting damage potential. Higher levels mean more damage; at maximum level, basic attacks transform into powerful follow-ups.
Land attacks to charge the gauge. Use Spirit Blade attacks and land the final Spirit Roundslash or a Focus Strike to increase the level. A red gauge's Spirit Roundslash or Spinning Crimson Slash extends its duration, as the gauge depletes over time.
Damage increases: White – 1.02x, Yellow – 1.04x, Red – 1.1x
Mastering Long Sword Combos
Combining these combos maximizes your damage output:
Spirit Gauge Filling/Leveling Combo
Chain four basic Overhead Slashes (Triangle/Y) to quickly fill the Spirit Gauge. Then, use a four-chain R2/RT Spirit Blade combo, landing the final Spirit Roundslash to increase the gauge level.
Crimson Slash Combo
With a maxed, red Spirit Gauge, your basic attacks become Crimson Slashes. Chain three (Triangle/Y) for a swift, high-damage combo.
Stationary Combo
With a full Spirit Gauge, use Triangle/Y + Circle/B + Triangle/Y (Crimson Slash, Rising Slash, Crimson Slash) to deal damage while remaining stationary.
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Essential Long Sword Tips
The Spirit Gauge is key to maximizing damage:
Spirit Charge
Holding R2/RT initiates Spirit Charge. A full charge unleashes a Spirit Roundslash and instantly boosts the gauge—but do it safely.
Spirit Helm Breaker/Spirit Release Slash
Spirit Helm Breaker deals maximum damage, consuming your current Spirit Gauge level. Use Crimson Slashes beforehand. After a Spirit Thrust and Spirit Helm Breaker, use R2/RT for a high-speed, high-damage Spirit Release Slash. This combo is easier with distractions from teammates.
Free Spirit Gauge Levels
Focus Strike attacks on wounds grant one Spirit Gauge level per wound. Multiple wounds can instantly max your gauge. Even with one wound, use Focus Strike, then a Spirit Blade combo ending with a Spirit Blade Roundhouse for an instant level boost.
Countering with Iai Spirit Slash
Since blocking isn't an option, use speed. After Special Sheathe (R2/RT and Cross/A), time Iai Spirit Slash (R2/RT) with an enemy attack for a powerful counter that prevents damage and punishes the monster.
This comprehensive guide will help you master the Long Sword in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. Explore The Escapist for more gaming tips!
*Monster Hunter Wilds* is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
